Volkswagen to revive beach buggy

Volkswagen is planning to resurrect the classic Meyers Manx beach buggy as a modern-day electric car featuring key elements of its new MEB (modular electric architecture) platform as well as the electric driveline destined to power next year’s I.D.

The new two-seater, currently under construction as a concept at Volkswagen’s Braunschweig-based R&D centre in Germany, is described as a modern interpretation of the original rear-engined, Beetle-based Manx buggy. Its an open-top design featuring a low-set body, a free-standing windscreen, a sturdy roll-over bar and large wheels.

While shrouded in secrecy, the new electric buggy is said to be under “active consideration” as a possible addition to Volkswagen’s upcoming line-up of zero-emission I.D. production models. The first of these, a production version of the earlier I.D. hatchback concept, is planned to be unveiled during the third quarter of 2019.

A source from Volkswagens Braunschweig R&D centre has revealed to Drive that the new beach buggy is among three retro-themed I.D. models masterminded by Volkswagen CEO, Herbert Diess. It is planned to complement the Microbus-inspired I.D. Buzz and a secret new five-door hatchback model described as a “contemporary recreation” of the iconic Beetle.

Current plans call the concept of the new electric-powered Volkswagen beach buggy to be unveiled at the 2019 Geneva motor show next March.

The original Manx was designed for desert racing by Californian Bruce Meyers. It was produced between 1964 and 1971 in the form of a kit car based around the shortened chassis of the original Volkswagen Beetle.